Proverbs 27:23-27

Wisdom addresses every sphere of our lives, including the workplace. Who are the people who ultimately succeed in their work? People who diligently do their work and understand what is happening in the context of their work environment. Another critical element is the ability to manage or understand people.

In the conclusion of Proverbs 27, we find a few verses that address how to be successful in our work environment and the management of our finances which are critical to living life well. In this agrarian backdrop are lessons to be applied in our contemporary context. There are three things we need to be aware of in a constantly changing world as it pertains to our work and life.

Proverbs 27:1-22

One of the greatest gifts in life is friendship, but what does it mean to be a friend? What does it require to have healthy relationships? What are some of the challenges in friendship? What kinds of behaviours diminish relationships with others? These are the kinds of dynamics we will be exploring from Proverbs 27.

Proverbs 26

Wisdom is the skill of healthy social interactions. It is also the ability to discern where people are coming from and how to respond wisely (with restraint). This message will be addressing three primary groups: fools, sluggards and mischief-makers (which includes busybodies, reckless speakers, gossips, deceivers (liars).

When we don’t walk in wisdom we can cause a lot of interpersonal relational damage.

Proverbs 25

In wisdom literature, we have some powerful insights into the value of determining what and who is influencing our lives. This is particularly critical in the realm of leadership, as leaders make decisions that impact the lives of those they lead. In Proverbs 25, we find a number of proverbs dealing with the issue of leadership and those who follow. Here we find a number of elements that shape and influence human behaviour. I’ve grouped them into three key areas of human dynamics influencing human relationships.

Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:5-25

Acts 2:42-47